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Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Slow Cooker Goodness

Is there anything better than a good slow cooker recipe? Really tasty slow cooker recipes seem hard to find. Too many are bland, soggy or use funky unnatural ingredients.

When I find a new slow cooker recipe that rocks, I get very excited. It's the little things after all...

We tried this recipe last week that I tweaked and altered from a traditional soup recipe that my aunt shared with me. It can be made with sausage or ham, or alternatively, without to make it vegetarian.

If using dried beans, soak the beans to soften overnight as directed on the package.

Mix beans, marinara, broth, spices (from bay leaves through to the red pepper flakes) and sausage/ham (if using) in slow cooker. Cook on low for 8-10 hours, or high for 5-6 hours. About 15 minutes before you are ready to serve the soup, add the artichoke hearts, if desired.Serve with some big crusty bread for the perfect cold weather meal.

I know what you mean about the slow cooker. A while back I had committed to doing one a week but I didn't find a whole lotta recipes that caught my eye. So much cream ofs and stuff. But this looks good!!!!

I tried this last night and it was good. It makes A LOT. I ended up freezing some. Yours looks thicker. Did you just not put the "soup" part in your bowl just the goodies? Matt actually enjoyed it and it's hard to please him sometimes with crockpot recipes. Thanks!!

The soup you made based on your aunt's recipe sounds delicious :)! It looks really hearty and filling, perfect for scooping up with that bread. I'd like to feature your recipe on our blog. Please let me know if you're interested!

About Me

It seems like a distant memory, but years ago I relished making involved, gourmet meals. Now my goal is to create healthy meals that appeal both to me and my husband and the palates of my two Sweet Pea boys. Journey with me through my victories and defeats.